Seojun Kim, PhD

Dr. Seojun Kim is an internationally recognized relationship scientist, specializing in conflict resolution dynamics, attachment theory in adult relationships, and communication patterns in long-term partnerships. With more than 14 years of academic research, clinical experience, and contributions to global relationship-education initiatives, Dr. Kim has become one of the leading voices in evidence-based conflict mediation for couples. His work focuses on integrating psychological science with culturally adaptive conflict-management approaches to help partners build resilient, emotionally intelligent relationships.

Specialization

Conflict Resolution in Romantic Partnerships
Communication Science & Interpersonal Dynamics
Attachment Theory & Relationship Stability
Emotion Regulation in Conflict Scenarios
Cross-Cultural Conflict Mediation

Education

2005–2009: BA in Psychology, Seoul National University
2009–2011: MSc in Counseling Psychology, University of Toronto
2011–2016: PhD in Relationship & Communication Studies, University of Washington

Professional Experience

2016–2019: Relationship Communication Researcher, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
2019–2023: Senior Conflict Resolution Specialist, Asian Institute for Relationship Health
2023–Present: Director of Interpersonal Dynamics Program, Global Partnership Institute
Consultant to NGOs working on family conflict prevention and community relationship education

Selected Scientific Publications

Kim, S. (2021). "Predictive Patterns of Conflict Escalation in Long-Term Couples." Journal of Interpersonal Psychology, 29(3), 188–207.
Kim, S., & Martinez, L. (2019). "Cultural Variations in Romantic Communication During Conflict." International Review of Relationship Science, 11(2), 74–102.
Kim, S. (2017). "Attachment Avoidance and Conflict Recovery Time: A Longitudinal Study." Journal of Emotional Research, 15(1), 44–60.

Research Case Studies

Case Study: High-Conflict Couples (2018–2020)
Dr. Kim supervised a two-year experimental mediation program involving 120 couples with chronic conflict escalation.
Result: 68% showed measurable improvement in conflict-recovery speed, and 52% demonstrated long-term reductions in reactive communication patterns.
Case Study: Cross-Cultural Conflict Dynamics (2020–2022)
Conducted research across South Korea, Canada, and Sweden on cultural differences in conflict expression.
Result: Identified three universal predictors of reconciliation success, now integrated into global relationship-education curricula.
Case Study: Digital Conflict-Resolution Coaching (2021–2023)
Led a randomized controlled study testing app-based conflict-resolution training.
Result: Participants completed 41% more successful conflict de-escalations vs. control groups.

Representative Quotes

“Most conflicts don’t begin with disagreement — they begin with partners feeling unheard.”

“Emotional safety is not the absence of conflict. It’s the confidence that conflict won’t destroy the relationship.”

“Couples who master repair attempts often outperform couples with ‘perfect communication.’ Repair is the true skill.”

Professional Memberships

International Association for Relationship Research (IARR)
American Psychological Association (APA)
Asian Pacific Counseling & Relationship Consortium (APCRC)

Participation in International Projects

UNESCO Project Lead, “Emotional Literacy for Couples” (2021–Present)
WHO Advisory Member, “Global Domestic Conflict Prevention Framework” (2019–2022)
Lead Researcher, “Cultural Dynamics of Conflict Recovery” (15 countries, 2020–2023)

Work on Educational Programs

Author of the curriculum “The Science of Conflict Repair”, adopted by over 200 relationship-education centers worldwide
Creator of the Conflict Pattern Analyzer, a diagnostic framework for identifying escalation cycles in couples
Designer of communication-training modules used by therapists and conflict-resolution coaches

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Featured expert on CNN International: “Modern Conflict Triggers in Relationships”
Host of “Relationship Repair Lab” — a podcast with over 1.5 million monthly listeners
Keynote speaker at the Global Relationship Science Summit (2022)

Unique Values and Experience

Dr. Kim brings a rare combination of cultural insight, scientific methodology, and practical conflict-mediation tools. His research emphasizes actionable, real-life strategies that couples can apply immediately — regardless of cultural background or communication style. His commitment to transparency, ethical research, and global accessibility makes him a trusted authority in the field of relationship conflict resolution.